Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s Guide to Arkansas
Asa Hutchinson, the 46th governor of Arkansas, is a lifelong Arkansan with a passion for making life in The Natural State better. The Living in Arkansas team caught up with Gov. Hutchinson to learn more about why he loves Arkansas — and why you will too.
Where did you grow up?
“I was born and raised in Gravette, Arkansas, on a farm in a rural environment. It’s a small town; it had a strong sense of community, family and church. It really represents the best of Arkansas.”
Have you ever lived outside Arkansas?
“I’ve lived in Arkansas all of my life, except for the four years when I was going to college in South Carolina. I also was in the mission field in Washington, D.C., for a few years, serving in the George W. Bush administration. I have had the opportunity to travel extensively, which has made me grateful for every moment I’ve had in this state.”
Basketball is one of Gov. Hutchinson's favorite ways to stay activeWhen it comes to the economic health of Arkansas, what are you most proud of?
“Our unemployment rate is down to 3.5 percent — the lowest in Arkansas history — and we continue to create and attract new industries and jobs. With the leadership of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, we have struck more than 350 agreements with companies to do business in Arkansas, which has led to the creation of 62,000-plus jobs.”
See more at The Best is Yet to Come in Arkansas
How do tourism and quality of life play a part in the economic development of Arkansas?
“Economic development and quality of life go hand in hand. In almost any study of why a company or entrepreneur will consider moving or expanding his company to a new location, quality of life is right near the top. If a business is considering a new locale, its executives consider what the day-to-day life would be like for their employees, and that helps Arkansas stand out.
Our unique quality of life includes our natural beauty, diversity of things to do and see, and, above all, our people. It may sound cliché, but Arkansas really does have the friendliest, most welcoming people around.”
When it comes to the economic health of Arkansas, what are you most proud of?
“Our unemployment rate is down to 3.5 percent — the lowest in Arkansas history — and we continue to create and attract new industries and jobs. Our cost of living remains among the lowest in the nation, especially when it comes to housing.”
What makes Arkansas such an affordable place to relocate and retire?
“Our cost of living remains among the lowest in the nation, especially when it comes to housing.
“I understand that tax cuts are important to families, and as governor, I’ve pursued budget practices that have allowed us to cut taxes so that Arkansans can keep more of their money in their own wallet. In my first three years in office, we cut taxes by more than $150 million. Looking to the 2019 General Assembly, I asked legislators to cut our top marginal income tax rate from 6.9 percent to 6 percent. That will bring the total of tax cuts to more than $300 million.”
See more at Banking on The Natural State
Veterans are encouraged to retire here too — what benefits are they afforded?
“Most importantly, we offer terrific support through the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. We have passed legislation that exempts veterans’ retirement benefits from taxes. I know that even before we passed that exemption, many of the Air Force personnel who were assigned to Little Rock Air Force Base retired here because they found Arkansas to be an excellent place to pursue their second career or to start a business.
“With the added benefit of the tax exemption, Arkansas is an even more attractive place for that chapter of their life. I know of one military family that is retiring here this year, and the wife’s parents, who were also retired military, moved here from Texas.”
See Why Military Vets Love It in Arkansas
What keeps you here?
“Being Arkansas’s governor is the best job in the world. This is my home, but I also believe it is the best place in the world. Arkansas is thriving with opportunity, natural beauty and economic development. Whether you come to Arkansas for business, education or just to visit, as soon as you come, you’ll want to stay.”
Someday, will you retire in Arkansas?
“Yes. There’s no place like home — especially when home is Arkansas.”
Quick Takes
| Arkansas in three words | Scenic, beautiful, natural |
| Favorite place to eat in Arkansas — what do you order? | Lindsey's Bar-B-Q in North Little Rock; barbecue and apple fried pies |
| Favorite local event | The Tontitown Grape Festival |
| First thing a newcomer should do after moving here | Float the Buffalo National River |
| Favorite outdoor activity | "I have always enjoyed backpacking and hiking." |
| Favorite staycation spot | Eureka Springs |
